We were the generation that helped propel President Barack Obama into the White House. We were the volunteers, the phone bank callers, the supporters that thought that change was upon us.

We were wrong.

And, although it’s a bit cliché to say these days, we are mad as hell.

We are the ones left to wonder: can I really vote for Barack Obama again?

Many have us have been humbled by this President. We have been brought down to earth. And although we don’t disagree with everything the President has done, we are left wondering: what will my future be like? How am I going to get a job in this economy?

These are questions that President Obama has yet to answer, despite a plethora of speeches consisting of various talking points.

To some of us, myself included, the Obama’s presidency has not been a complete failure; however, it is readily evident that we are far from what we had hoped for, far from what we imagined—far from the change that we believed in.

Having watched the recent GOP primary debates, I have been left wondering: who in this group could I legitimately support? Who can I trust? Who will exit the White House, leaving us a better America?

I have broken down three situations. It is clear that Romney and Perry are the major candidates; however, I will also add Huntsman. I obtained the following information below through talks with politically involved college students that voted for Obama in 2008.

Obama vs. Perry = Obama

Obama vs. Romney= Toss up

Obama vs. Huntsman = Huntsman

Many college students are, for the most part, still fairly progressive-minded, however, the Obama Administration has taught us to become more fiscally responsible. We have to manage our own bank accounts, the country should manage Hers (that is not to say that the current economic situation we are in is a direct result of Obama’s policies, we know, it’s more complex than that).

It is safe to assume that many students that voted for Obama in 2008 would back him again in 2012 if he were to run against Texas Gov. Rick Perry. Perry’s social values are a turn off to those that I have engaged in conversation with. Many also still have fresh in their mind what happened the last time a Texas Governor was in the White House.

If Romney were to run against Obama, we would be presented with an issue. Where does Romney really stand? What can President Obama possibly do to make up for what he did (or didn’t do) in his first four years? This is an interesting issue, and one that we will learn more about as the debates progress, and the election approaches.

Now, here is your surefire winner: Jon Huntsman—the moderate who has impressed us through the debates thus far. He has given us the belief that he will not play the political games that we are now all too accustomed to seeing. He seems fair-minded—the type of person who will reach across the asile, and the type of GOP candidate that we could vote for in 2012.

Unfortunately, Huntsman’s is not taken as a viable candidate by many of those in the far-right Republican base. However, he is a class act, a glimmer of hope, when the other candidates, well, I think this explains it best.

But, GOP—we’re still here. Any yes, we vote, too. So be careful. The ball is on your court right now. Cherish it, nurture it. You can win us over, but it has to be the right candidate, and Jon Huntsman may just be your man.

Described by Lincoln as the best image of himself, this rare glass-plate image, conserved by an Eastman House team, is on view from February 1. Image courtesy of George Eastman House.

Much has been made in recent weeks, and indeed throughout the campaign, of President Obama’s connections to Lincoln. Using his Bible for the swearing in, nods to Team of Rivals, invoking his rhetoric… This month is also the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birth. There is no better time for the Eastman House to unveil a newly-conserved glass plate image of Abraham Lincoln. Truly an incredible photograph, saved by GEH’s exceptional conservation team, it will be on view starting Feb. 1.

From GEH’s press release:

The museum is showcasing its two-year conservation treatment of a partially shattered glass-plate interpositive of Lincoln. The image, depicting a “handsome” and beardless Lincoln, was taken when he was beginning his presidential run. It is celebrated as one of the best portraits made of the 16th president, and he was in agreement. “That looks better and expresses me better than any I have ever seen; if it pleases the people I am satisfied,” Lincoln said, in response to the portrait.

This image “is the closest you will ever get to seeing Lincoln, short of putting your eyeballs on the man himself,” explained Grant Romer, director of the museum’s Advanced Residency Program in Photograph Conservation, who is one of the world’s leading experts on 19th-century and Lincoln photography. “This is Lincoln in high definition. You can see more detail than you’ll ever see in a copy print.”

As a world leader in photograph conservation, Eastman House was sought out by the plate’s owner, who chooses to remain anonymous. The glass plate was conserved by Eastman House conservation staff and fellows in the Advanced Residency Program in Photograph Conservation. Much of the work involved research in innovative methods, using materials that stabilize the fragile glass and image emulsion for today, and will preserve this national treasure for future generations.

GEH is presenting two lectures on the conservation project and the Lincoln bicentennial, Feb. 5 and Feb. 26. Many Lincoln images from the GEH collection will be on view at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Lincoln in Rochester exhibit, February 2 – April 19.

The Rochester's Young Professionals blog is the place to look for the latest updates on the young professionals scene in Rochester, from career advice to networking events.

Contributors

Kate McGowan is a former Rochester television news reporter now working in the non-profit sector for the nation’s leading children’s charity, Make-A-Wish. She is passionate about inspiring young professionals to use their talents in becoming more actively involved in their communities. Follow her on Twitter at @KateMcGowan

Toni Lynn Arena: I am a digital media specialist by day and a fitness loving, animal activist by night. When I'm not working on self-improvement inside and out, I work with other philanthropists to build awareness within the young professional community and help make a difference.

Andrea Raethka earned a bachelor's in History, Sociology and Women's Studies from the College of Brockport. She is a mother of three young children and is always up for exploring new places for kiddie play dates. She enjoys good food, local shopping and keeping up to date on news, politics and public school issues. Find Andrea on Twitter: @Mango1531.

Ashley Dewey is an internet marketing blogger from Victor who shares thoughts about life and pets.

Audrey Burns is a reader, writer and full-time nostalgist who writes about cultural and social issues in Rochester.

Cynthia Pacia shares thoughts about giving and living in the Rochester area.

Eastman Young Professionals share the latest happenings at George Eastman House.

Habitat for Humanity Young Professionals share life and non-profit experiences, and their journey within Rochester’s changing landscape.

Jason Schwingle is a native of Rochester. He shares his thoughts and ideas on bringing young professionals back to Rochester and to downtown.

Jenna Kempie is the Social Media Chair for the Rochester Young Professionals, and is contributing posts on RYP activities and other helpful insights for young professionals in the community. Jenna enjoys getting out and exploring the area, and talking to people about their Rochester experiences, print and technology - on and offline. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaKempie

Jennifer Galvez Caton is an active arts volunteer who shares her passion and perspective on theater, film, dance and music with young professionals in the Rochester area.

Jerome Nathaniel is a 2011 graduate of the University of Rochester, where he was an executive editor for the Campus Times and a service fellow with the Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence. Now, the Brooklyn native has returned to Rochester as an Americorp Vista at Foodlink, where he's serving as a hunger advocate.

Kayleigh Nutting is a non-profit professional that came to Rochester for college and never left. She is a graduate student and works full time planning special events and fundraising. Follow her as she writes about kicking back, giving back and appreciating the Flower City.

Kristine Caronna, a young professional blogger from Greece, shares her thoughts and updates.

Leah Shearer is a young professional and two-time cancer survivor from Rochester. She shares her unique perspective on all things - the serious, the silly and everything in between.

Luticha Doucette is a student researcher, activist and humanist who sees the world from a seated position. She chronicles life as a disable person seeking a PhD. position in biophysics at Yale or John Hopkins universities, and beyond.

Maria Thomas is the chair of RocCity Coalition, who is passionate about education and the needs of city youth. She writes about various opportunities for young professionals to get involved in the community.

Olga Podzorov is an agent with Nothnagle Realtors. She is a community activist and passionate philanthropist who is committed to working with young professionals. She covers a variety of real estate issues.

Ruth Harper-Rhode, a St. Bonaventure University graduate, does public relations for a local nonprofit. She moved to Rochester from a small city in 2011 and lived on Park Ave before moving to Penfield, where she currently resides.

Terra Keller sends updates from the staff at Foodlink, a popular regional food bank.

Stefanie Schwingle is a Rochester native and has worked at Wegmans Corporation for the past 10 years, but her interests lie in entrepreneurship and communication and her passions include urban living, photography, and cooking. Stefanie lives downtown with her husband and loves everyday life in the city.

Taren Greenidge earned her B.A. in Economics and Political Science, cum laude, in 2007 from Spelman College and her J.D. from Duke University School of Law in 2010. She is an associate at Littler Mendelson, P.C, a U.S.-based international law firm exclusively devoted to representing management in every aspect of labor and employment law. Taren is the president of the Black Young Professionals of Rochester, an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rochester, N.Y., Inc., which targets individuals ages 21 through 40 to foster growth and professional development, to empower members to achieve success and to strive to improve the community.